AzTrials
AzTrials

Plantar FasciaNCT07544732

Effects of Low-Dye Taping Compared to Calcaneal Taping in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

A study testing Low Dye Taping and Calcaneal Taping in people with Plantar Fascia, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by inflammation and microtears of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain, particularly during initial steps after rest. It negatively impacts gait, mobility, and overall quality of life. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 19 to 44 years
Conditions the study is for
Plantar Fascia
What is being tested?
Low Dye Taping and Calcaneal Taping
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
40 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
19 May 2026to 15 Jul 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 19 to 44 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults of 19 - 44 years old age.
  • Both genders will be included
  • Pain in plantar heel lasting more than three months
  • Clinical diagnosis of unilateral PF in compliance with the American
  • physical therapy association's (APTA) Orthopedic Section clinical practice
  • guidelines
Show all 15Show fewer
  • Positive windlass test
  • Negative tarsal tunnel tests
  • Limited active and passive talocrural joint dorsiflexion range of motion
  • Pain on the inner side of the heel is most noticeable with the first steps after
  • rest and tends to worsen after standing or walking for a long time.
  • Willing and capable of adhering to the study procedure and completing follow-up
  • examinations.
  • Planter fascia tests i.e. windlass mechanism, hop test, stair climbing.
  • Sedentary individuals (no exercise plan followed in last 3 months)

Who cannot join

  • • Previous surgical intervention for plantar fasciitis.
  • Congenital abnormalities of foot.
  • Lower extremities affected by systemic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
  • diabetes or peripheral neuropathy.
  • The presence of additional foot disorders, such as stress fractures, Achilles
  • tendinopathy, or nerve entrapment syndromes.
Show all 12Show fewer
  • Any contraindications to taping, such as skin sensitivity or allergy.
  • Not willing or not capable of adhering to the study procedure and completing follow-
  • up examinations.
  • Pregnant women, mental illness, immune suppressed patients, patients with
  • peripheral vascular disease, thrombocytopenia patients, anti-coagulant therapy
  • patients and post mastectomy.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Areej Mazhar, DPT contact

03185337558

areejmazhar76@gmail.com

Anam Rehman, MS-OMPT contact

+923355082299

anam.rehman@fui.edu.pk

Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Foundation University Islamabad

    Islamabad, Punjab Province, 46000

    Areej Mazhar, DPT, 03185337558, areejmazhar76@gmail.com

    anam rehman, MS-OMPT, +923355082299, anam.rehman@fui.edu.pk

    Recruiting

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by inflammation and microtears of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain, particularly during initial steps after rest. It negatively impacts gait, mobility, and overall quality of life. Physiotherapy interventions such as stretching, strengthening, electrotherapy, and taping techniques are commonly used for management. Among these, Low-Dye taping and calcaneal taping provide biomechanical support by reducing strain on the plantar fascia and improving foot posture; however, comparative evidence between the two is limited.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Low-Dye taping versus calcaneal taping in reducing pain and improving foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. A total of 36 participants will be randomly assigned to either intervention group and treated over a two-week period. Outcome measures will include pain (VAS), functional ability (FFI), ankle range of motion (goniometer), and gait analysis, assessed before and after intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS v27, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Read the detailed description

Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by inflammation and micro tears of the plantar fascia, often resulting in sharp heel pain during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest. It significantly affects gait, functional mobility, and quality of life. Conservative physiotherapy interventions such as stretching, strengthening, and electrotherapy are widely used. Taping techniques like Low-Dye and Calcaneal taping offer biomechanical support by reducing strain on the plantar fascia, improving foot posture, and alleviating symptoms. Despite the frequent use of both techniques, there is a lack of direct comparative evidence to guide best practice. The objective of this research study is to compare the effectiveness of low dye taping and calcaneal taping in reducing pain and improving foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. 36 Participants clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis will be randomly allocated to either the LDT (low dye taping) groupor theCT (calcaneal taping) group. The intervention will be administered over a fixed period.

Outcome measures will include the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Foot Function Index (FFI) for functional limitation, goniometer for ankle rangeof motion and observational gait analysis recorded before and after the intervention. A total of 36 participants will be divided into two groups, group A (LDT) and group B (CT), according to the inclusion criteria such as clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, age range, and absence of other foot or systemic pathologies.

Informed consent will be obtained. Baseline data, including VAS, FFI scores, goniometric measurements and gait analysis will be recorded, each participant will receive taping for 2 weeks. Post-intervention scores will be collected. Data will be analyzed using SPSS v27. Descriptive statistically will summarize demographics.

Inferential statistics (paired-t- test /independent t test) will compare pre- and post-treatment changes within and between groups with significance of p <0.05.

Conditions
Plantar Fascia
Being tested
Low Dye Taping, Calcaneal Taping

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Low Dye TapingProcedure or surgery

    1. Taping through standard protocol
    2. Conventional physical therapy
    3. Calf and fascia stretch
    4. Ultrasound therapy Duration: 2 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week (Total = 6 sessions) Mode: Continuous mode for chronic symptoms Frequency (Hz): 1 MHz (for deep tissues like plantar fascia) Intensity: 1.0 - 1.5 W/cm² (start with 1.0 and progress based on tolerance) Treatment time: 5-8 minutes per session Applicator size: Small (2-5 cm² sound head) Technique:
    • Apply coupling gel to the heel and medial arch area.
    • Move the applicator slowly in circular motion over the plantar fascia.
    • Cover the entire tender area, especially the medial calcaneal tubercle
    1. Strengthening exercises
  • Calcaneal TapingProcedure or surgery

    1. Taping through standard protocol
    2. Conventional physical therapy
    3. Calf and fascia stretch
    4. Ultrasound therapy Duration: 2 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week (Total = 6 sessions) Mode: Continuous mode for chronic symptoms Frequency (Hz): 1 MHz (for deep tissues like plantar fascia) Intensity: 1.0 - 1.5 W/cm² (start with 1.0 and progress based on tolerance) Treatment time: 5-8 minutes per session Applicator size: Small (2-5 cm² sound head) Technique:
    • Apply coupling gel to the heel and medial arch area.
    • Move the applicator slowly in circular motion over the plantar fascia.
    • Cover the entire tender area, especially the medial calcaneal tubercle
    1. Strengthening exercises
Study groups in NCT07544732
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Low Dye TapingActive comparatorA taping technique applied around the foot'smediallongitudinal arch designed to reduce excessive pronation and support theplantarfascia Participants in the low dye taping group will receive taping by standard protocol 1) Apply an anchor strip across the top of the foot near the toes. 2) Pull 3-4 strips from the outer foot under the arch to the inner side to lift thearch. 3) Optionally add a heel lock strip for rear foot control. 4) Secure everything with another anchor strip and remove after 3-5 days. Tape type : Rigid Zinc Oxide Tape Width: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) Purpose: Provides strong support to the arch and controls pronation
Receives: Procedure: Low Dye Taping
Calcaneal TapingExperimentalA taping method focused on stabilizing the heel bycontrollingrear foot eversion to correct abnormal calcaneal alignment. Participants in the calcaneal taping group will receive taping by standard protocol 1) Position the foot in slight inversion (heel tilted inward) while the patient is seatedorlyingdown. 11 2) Start the tape on the lateral side of the heel, wrap under the heel and pull upwardandmedially across the Achilles tendon. 3) Secure the tape on the medial ankle, maintaining the heel in inverted position. 4) Apply 2-3 overlapping strips for firmness, and reapply every 2-3 days as needed.(mulligan) Tape Type: Rigid zinc oxide tape (1.5 inches wide) Purpose: Provides strong support heel and correct excessive eversion
Receives: Procedure: Calcaneal Taping

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Pain Intensity

    The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is used to measure pain. The tool comprises of a straight line, either horizontal or vertical, typically measuring 10 cm (or an acceptable length). It is marked with labels at each end that indicate the extreme values of the parameter being assessed, such as "no pain" and "worst possible pain" for evaluating pain intensity. The distance between the initial position and the mark made by the respondent is quantified and employed as a quantitative measure, usually falling within the range of 0 to 100. Higher 9 scores signify a higher level of intensity or severity.

    Measured: groups will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks to evaluate treatment outcomes.

  2. Foot Functional Index

    The Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire is a commonly used outcome measure tool for evaluating foot function and discomfort in persons with diverse foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis. The assessment is composed of three subscales: pain, disability, and activity limitation. Each subscale includes several items that are assessed on a Likert scale. The Foot Function Index (FFI) quantifies the influence of foot-related issues on everyday tasks, including walking, standing, and engaging in leisure activities. Scoring interpretation entails adding together the scores of individual items inside each subscale to calculate subscale scores. Higher scores indicate more significant foot dysfunction and discomfort

    Measured: groups will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks to evaluate treatment outcomes.

  3. Range of Motion of foot

    Goniometer will be used to measure Ranges of Motion (ROM). It generally comprises of two arms, one stationary and one adjustable, equipped with a protractor-like scale for the measurement of angles. The immobile arm is positioned in line with the bone closest to the joint, while the mobile arm is positioned in line with the bone farthest from the joint. By accurately aligning the goniometer and carefully studying the joint's motion, a precise measurement of the joint angle is acquired

    Measured: groups will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks to evaluate treatment outcomes.

  4. Step Length

    Step length will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) through visual inspection and simple distance measurement. Unit of measurement is centimetres (cm)

    Measured: groups will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks to evaluate treatment outcomes

  5. Stride Length

    Stride length will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) through visual inspection and simple distance measurement.Unit of Measure is centimetres (cm)

    Measured: Baseline and 2 weeks

  6. Cadence

    Cadence will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) using stopwatch timing. Unit of Measure is steps per minute (steps/min)

    Measured: Baseline and 2 weeks

  7. Walking Speed

    Walking speed will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) by measuring time taken to cover a fixed distance.Unit of Measure is meters per second (m/s)

    Measured: Baseline and 2 weeks

  8. Gait Cycle Time

    Gait cycle time will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) with stopwatch timing. Unit of Measure is seconds (s)

    Measured: Baseline and 2 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted22 Apr 2026
  2. Study start19 May 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion15 Jul 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
40 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07544732
Sponsor's protocol ID
FUI/FUCP/CTR/06.26/AreejMazhar
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
7 Apr 2026
Last updated
20 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Low Dye Taping and Calcaneal Taping in people with Plantar Fascia, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 15 inclusion and 12 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Areej Mazhar, DPT (03185337558, areejmazhar76@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Pain Intensity (time frame: groups will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks to evaluate treatment outcomes.). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 May 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in